From stunning boutique shops to a bustling coffee shop that offers art classes, this charming market town has managed to keep its high street thriving despite ongoing challenges
It’s no secret UK high streets are dying a slow death. Boarded-up shops, littered streets and too many vape stores have left once thriving areas slowly fade into ghost towns.
Many small businesses have struggled to stay afloat following the pandemic, while a slew of big corporations have shifted to an online-only presence. Add this to increasing energy prices and an ongoing cost-of-living crisis, and it’s easy to see why the high street has lost its sparkle. However, the tranquil market town of Shrewsbury, located in Shropshire, seems to be a glorious exception – with an electric range of thriving restaurants, boutique stores, and even a contemporary art gallery. It’s no surprise the Telegraph crowned this town as having the ‘best high street’ in the UK last year.
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Start off the morning with a caffeine fix at one of the many independent coffee shops in the area. Hopefully Made has some stellar reviews on Google, and looks like the perfect place to wolf down a flat white and a stack of pancakes before a full day of shopping.
The business also offers art classes and workshops in Shrewsbury, ranging from kids clubs to learning the art of printmaking and even jewellery making. If you can’t get a seat, don’t worry: try out Oath Coffee, Caffè Mondi, Ginger & Co. Coffee shop, or The Shrewsbury Coffeehouse instead.
Of course, you’ll find some well-known brands in Shrewsbury, including Barbour, Jigsaw and the White Stuff. If you’re looking for something a little different, Oberon needs to be on your list. This stunning brand, which has several stores in the area, sells one-of-a-kind clothes, accessories, jewellery and footwear. “With three award-winning shops and over 35 years of unique style, Oberon’s selectively curated clothing and accessories have established our stores as the go-to destination for all things fashion in Shrewsbury,” Oberon said on its website.
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Naturally, a trip to any new time means a new souvenir is on the cards. Luckily, Shrewsbury has an endless selection of gift shops such as Rowanthorn, The Enchanted Labyrinth, and Millard & Lancaster. Sounds thirsty work, right? Well, an evening supping pints at Cromwell’s Tap House or The Nag’s Head can easily be arranged…
“At the foot of Wyle Cop, the 16th-century Lion & Pheasant has a two AA Rosette restaurant,” the Telegraph wrote in 2024. “Tanners – past winner of the ‘Best National Wine Shop’ – hosts tastings in store, and runs a tapas bar next door.”
Shrewsbury is about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from London, but trains can cut an hour off the journey – even though you’ll likely have to change in Birmingham. If you’re willing to book in advance, you can get single adult fares for as little as £12.90.
*Prices based on Trainline listings at the time of writing.
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